Syracuse, N.Y. – After three years in the shadows at Villanova, it took just one year at Syracuse to put Cole Swider back in the spotlight.
After picking Villanova over Syracuse and several other schools coming out of St. Andrew’s High School in Barrington, Rhode Island, Swider became little more than a role player for the Wildcats. He earned a few starts but mostly came off the bench. He logged roughly 18 minutes a game as both a sophomore and a junior.
Swider transferred to Syracuse for his senior year. He stepped into the starting lineup immediately in the wake of the departures of Alan Griffin (pros) and Quincy Guerrier (Oregon).
Swider’s 13.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last season marked career-highs for the 6-foot-9 forward. Same with his 41.1% 3-point shooting. He made almost as many 3-pointers in one year at Syracuse (81) as he had in his three years at Villanova combined (86).
More than anything else, Swider put himself back on track for a chance to play pro ball. He has worked out for 12 different NBA teams in the weeks leading up to Thursday night’s draft.
“This past year was everything to me,’’ Swider said in a recent interview. “It put me back on the map and put me in this draft situation, having 12 workouts and having a chance to make the league. That was very important to me. Playing at Syracuse, being on TV every night and showing what I could do.’’
Swider decided to forego the chance to play a fifth year and, instead, take a chance on himself.
“If I’d stayed at Villanova,’’ he said. “I think I’d be back at Villanova or transferring to Syracuse for my fifth year.’’
Swider knows he might not hear his name called during Thursday’s NBA draft. He is not found on most mock drafts.
His route to the NBA could be that of undrafted free agent. Whether he is drafted or not, he figures to play in the NBA’s summer league.
“Honestly, I’m trying not to expect anything,’’ Swider said. “Obviously, the mock drafts don’t have me projected anywhere, but there are a few teams out there who think I can make this league.’’
Swider spoke on Sunday night from a hotel room in Los Angeles. The next day he would work out for the Lakers, the final of his dozen pre-draft workouts.
“It’s been a great experience,’’ he said, “but it’s definitely been a grind.’’
At one point, Swider’s schedule consisted of five workouts in six days. He worked out in Boston, then flew to Atlanta, followed by a trip up to Washington, D.C. After that, he flew across the country for a workout in Portland. He landed at 11 p.m. Pacific time and worked out for the Trail Blazers the next morning. He then flew back east for a workout with the Brooklyn Nets.
“It was a whirlwind week,’’ he said.
Again, Swider pointed to his one year at Syracuse for putting him in this position. Jim Boeheim’s system suited him more than did Jay Wright’s at Villanova.
“The offense is run through the shooters,’’ Swider said. “We ran a lot of plays to get guys like me and Buddy (Boeheim) shots. To have an opportunity to play in an offense like that and have the freedom from Coach Boeheim to go make plays, for a guy my size, it put me on the radar of NBA teams.’’
Being 6-foot-9 and possessing a pure shooting stroke will light up scouts’ eyes these days. In his workouts, Swider has tried to erase the knocks against him, primarily his on-ball defense.
“I think the biggest question coming from Syracuse is, ‘Can you defend?’’’ he said. “I’ve been showing I can defend. Teams are seeing I’m much more comfortable with the ball than I was before. I’ve proven I can shoot from the NBA 3-point line.’’
Swider will watch the draft at his parents’ home. His coach at St. Andrew’s, Mike Hart, might also drop by.
“Low key,’’ he said.
If he’s not drafted, he will await free agency updates from his agent, Bill Duffy of BDA Sports Management.
“For guys like me, or pretty much anyone in the second round, you have to find a good situation and grind it out from there,’’ Swider said. “I’m hoping to find the right situation on Thursday.’’
Finding the right situation. He’s done that before.
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